Despite a very positive start to life as Manchester United's interim manager, Michael Carrick, it is no secret that the club is considering external managerial options for the summer. 

Over the last few weeks, there has been some criticism of Carrick, including from former players and teammates of the 44-year-old. So much so that another former teammate, Patrice Evra, came out in strong defence of the current United boss. 

Well, the Frenchman is not alone in his support. Indeed, as Wayne Rooney has stated this afternoon, United should stick with their former number midfielder. 

Speaking on BBC Five Live Sport, Rooney said: "100% he [Carrick] should [get the job]. I have said this. I knew this was going to happen (the good results) under Michael Carrick. 

I know him very well. I know his character, his personality. It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place and the players needed some love, and he has given them that. 

We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team. For me, why would you change? 

He has got the best winning percentage of any Manchester United manager after that many games. For me, he has to get the job." 

Whether you agree or disagree with Rooney's comments, it is great to see Carrick being supported publicly by someone with a platform as big as Rooney, particularly after some of the harsher comments from other former players with big followings. 

You can't deny the facts he presented, albeit you can add context. He certainly does raise some good points. We know that Carrick is not an emotional person. When you compare that to Ruben Amorim, who was not only emotional but also volatile, it is a night-and-day difference. 

Some would argue that you need some emotion as a manager. Someone who can motivate his players with energy. And perhaps that will ring true in this case. But for now, he certainly feels like the right fit and the right character. 

Next season, medium and long-term is a different question. However, if Carrick delivers Champions League football, will the club have a choice? It would feel harsh to sack him after he delivered on what he was brought in to do. 

We saw an example of this in 2024, when United didn't sign Erik ten Hag after delivering the FA Cup. So we could see the same here. On the same token, they may look at what a mistake that was and not want history to repeat itself. So, let's see. 

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